Median Nerve

Why do some people get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and others don't . . . even though they perform identical tasks?

The Carpal Tunnel is a small canal inside the wrist. The top part is formed by the alignment of the carpal (wrist) bones while the bottom part consists of the transverse ligament-a fibrous band that completes the tunnel.

Combined within the carpal tunnel are three structures:

• 1. The Median Nerve
• 2. Nine "flexor" tendons that enable you to curl your wrist and fingers
• 3. Blood vessels

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome results from compression of the Median Nerve within the carpal tunnel. The Median Nerve originates in the neck and travels under your collarbone, then down the center of your forearm and through the carpal tunnel to the hand muscles.

What does the Median Nerve do?

The nerve controls some of the sensory and motor (movement) function in the hand.

How does the Median Nerve become compressed?

The nerve can become compressed anywhere along its course from the neck to the carpal tunnel. Misaligned bones in the neck, tight neck muscles, cervical (neck) ribs, shoulder dysfunctions, inflamed tendons, and misaligned carpal bones are capable of compressing or irritating the Median Nerve, resulting in the symptoms of CTS.

What causes all these things?

A small number of the conditions listed above are congenital (with you at birth.) The rest are the result of poor posture, repetitive movements over time done improperly (RSI) , poor ergonomics (workstation component arrangement), spills/falls experienced throughout life, sleeping on your stomach or hands, awkward hand positions playing sports or hobbies such as bowling, racquetball, or motorcycle riding. Pregnancy, birth control pills, high salt diets, and systemic diseases like diabetes, which causes the body to retain water, can also contribute to compression of the Median Nerve in the carpal tunnel.

Most doctors assume that it's all in your wrist or hand! But did you know that most Carpal Tunnel Syndrome victims have a primary Median Nerve 'crush' site in their neck?

IMPORTANT: The Median Nerve does not come from the sky into your hand. It does not travel up your leg to your hand...

It comes straight out between the bones of your neck. If your doctor does not look at the neck, he/she is missing the boat and should not be treating your CTS!

It is not your doctor's fault. Doctors are trained to diagnose and treat symptoms. With this approach, it is easy to miss the neck when treating pain instead of the cause!

Sometimes nerve compression is so advanced that serious treatment options need to be considered. If you have been told that surgery is your only option, please call Allied Healthcare for your free consultation. We have non-surgical IDD Therapy®, medically indicated to decompress discs in the neck that may be pressing on the Median Nerve.